Diagnostics

Car Diagnostics Services: Everything You Need to Know

cropped view of auto mechanic using laptop with blank screen near car

Just like annual checkups for your health are important, the same goes for your car. Regular annual diagnostic tests detect various vehicle problems that may cause performance issues and require expensive repairs.

A diagnostic test for cars helps to determine if something is wrong or not with your vehicle. Getting a routine annual diagnostics test can help you effectively check up on the health and function of your vehicle.

What is a Car Diagnostics test?

A car diagnostics test is a test that involves identifying as well as assessing problems that negatively affect the vehicle’s operation. It helps to reveal the problems associated with the vehicle’s safety system, brake system, transmission system, or any other control system.

What parts of the vehicle are tested in the Car Diagnostics test?

Car diagnostic tests analyze various aspects of your car. Specifically, check for –

• Problems with your car’s engine
• Problems with your car’s transmission and responsiveness
• Problems with your car’s brake responsiveness
• Potential contamination with your car’s exhaust system
• Signs of wear and tear or breakage with major components of the vehicle

How Car Diagnostic tests are performed, and what it will tell you?

Nowadays, vehicles have been manufactured with an internal computer technology that monitors, records and operates many components within the vehicle. Suppose something is wrong with your vehicle and it isn’t operating properly. In that case, the technician can take advantage of computer technology and car code readers to aid them in identifying and resolving malfunctions.

The onboard diagnostics works with ECU to read any codes stored and download information to know what area of your car needs attention.

The code only indicates to the technician which area of the vehicle component has fallen out of the acceptable range for operation. It does not provide any details on what is responsible for the failure.

What are the benefits of Car Diagnostic tests?

Identifying your problems was time-consuming and expensive, especially when you brought your car to the mechanics to find any malfunction after a breakdown. Several benefits of Car Diagnostic test are –

1. Saves money – Car diagnostic tests help you detect the errors in your vehicle before they become catastrophic. Thus, this will help you to save your money in the long run.
2. Saves lives – Catching errors before they become more serious could save your life or the lives of others. By car diagnostic tests, you get to know when you need to replace your brakes before they fail on the freeway.
3. Best service – Car diagnostic tests check your car’s onboard computer system for any manufacturer notifications, malfunction or stored information. This data helps the technicians to provide you with the best repairs possible for your vehicle. It gives the technicians a complete picture of the required repair parts.

How do you know if your car needs Diagnostic tests?

Here are some indicators your vehicle shows which let you know that it may be the time to perform a diagnostic test –

1. The check engine light comes on – If the check engine light illuminates on your car’s dashboard that means something is not right. You can visit your nearby TIRECRAFT, where our technicians can use code-reading tools to investigate the problem that triggered the light.

   However, the tool only tells what the problem is; after that, our technicians’ intuition and experience to find the details of what is causing a problem. So, it’s important to have a professional and knowledgeable technician look at the car when a light comes on for any unknown reason.

2. If you hear something “off”- Your own intuition is another good indicator that there could be a problem in your vehicle. Whether it’s a sound you hadn’t noticed before or something strange about the way the car is behaving, bring your car to your nearby TIRECRAFT to find out what it is.
3. You are driving a used car – If you are buying a used car, it’s often difficult to tell what you’re really getting. Depending on the seller or dealer you’re buying it from, they may or may not have already done diagnostic tests, but even if they have, most sellers will agree to a test before you buy.

If they don’t, that should be considered a red flag that you should look elsewhere. Diagnostic testing is actually a useful tool if you are checking out a used car as both the private sellers and professional car dealers agree to a diagnostic test before you commit to buying.

How often should your car undergo diagnostic testing?

TIRECRAFT technicians recommend you take your car in for a diagnostic check at least once a year, which will uncover minor problems that can’t be seen or heard.

Scan tools used to find error codes can help avoid costly auto repair bills. Catch declining car health early to extend the life of your vehicle.

So, don’t wait, visit to us and get the best Diagnostic services for your car.